As an executive mum balancing work, family, and a million other tasks, your feet take a beating. Whether it’s standing for long hours in meetings, rushing between activities, or managing chores at home, your feet are constantly under stress. But did you know that flat feet or the lack of a proper arch could be contributing to not just foot pain but also issues in your knees, hips, and even your lower back? In this blog, let’s dive into how flat feet might be the hidden culprit behind your discomfort and what you can do about it.
Flat feet, also called pronated feet, occur when the arch of the foot is either minimally developed or completely absent. If you stand and notice that your feet are flat against the floor with no visible arch on the inner side, you may have flat feet. While it’s normal for babies to be born with flat feet, arches usually develop by the age of six. However, some adults lose their arches due to prolonged standing, obesity, injury, or other factors.
But why do flat feet matter? Your feet are the foundation of your body. When the arches are missing, the weight distribution across your feet becomes uneven, leading to a domino effect throughout your body. Flat feet can lead to many other problems, some of the common ones are:
- Foot and ankle pain
- Alter your walking pattern
- Knee and hip discomfort
Here are some signs that you may have flat feet:
Stand barefoot with your feet shoulder-width apart and check if the inner edges touch the ground completely.
Walk on a wet surface and observe your footprint. If the inner border is entirely imprinted, you likely have flat feet.
Inspect the soles of your shoes. Excessive wear on the inner side could indicate uneven weight distribution caused by flat feet.
While kids’ feet are more flexible and can adapt with proper intervention, adults with rigid flat feet can focus on relieving symptoms and improving function. Consider the following simple solutions for flat feet:
Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles provide arch support and reduce stress on your feet and back.
Strengthening Exercises: Work on strengthening the intrinsic muscles of your feet and calves to improve balance and posture. If you are looking for simple solutions to foot and heel pain join my free community where I have done free trainings on this and other related topics.
Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes or footwear with adequate arch support and cushioning to prevent further strain on your feet and spine.
Here is a video on How do you know when to replace your shoes?
If you’ve been dealing with persistent back or foot pain, addressing flat feet could be a game changer. Remember, every small change you make to support your feet can have a big impact on your overall posture and energy levels.
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